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Professor Nelson Tebbe spoke to the Killeen Daily Herald about the ongoing trial of Major Nidal Hasan, the accused shooter at Fort Hood in 2009. Recently, the military judge presiding over the case ordered Hasan to shave his full beard, which has created concerns regarding the defendant’s freedom of religion. Two past cases provide legal precedent in the matter, including a ruling which overturned the Newark Police Department’s regulation that prevented officers from growing beards.

Professor Tebbe explained that Hasan’s case is similar to the Newark ruling. “The Newark case could be very influential,” he said. “I’m not predicting that (Hasan will) win, but he’s got an argument.”